Finding Balance in Uncertain Times

May 01, 2020 09:00AM
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By Julie Peterson

Uncertain times cause anxiety and make people feel out of
control. Feeling a loss of control creates more anxiety and this can turn into
a vicious cycle. As we shelter at home, we may be completely safe and yet we
may feel completely unsafe, unhappy, and unsure about everything. Getting back
that sense of control can help us move forward in a more positive way, with
greater happiness and confidence.

Establish a Routine

Our lives changed quite suddenly and most of the routines we
had in place are gone.

“Absolutely nothing is the same, but it’s important that we
allow ourselves to be okay with the fact that everything is different,” says Reverend Janice Cary of Unity of Fort Pierce, who is also a Life and Spiritual Coach.
Figuring out how to live in this time, at this time, and enjoy life by
recognizing all that we have to be grateful for is the task we are presented
with.

While there is grief surrounding the economy being shut
down, fear of the loss of income, fear of illness and shock for many at
witnessing scarcity for the first time, in addition to gratitude for what is
still good, there are ways to maneuver through the craziness with a greater
sense of control.

One great way to feel in control is to establish a routine
for part of, or all of, the day. Jessica Schneider, owner of For Your Health Thermal Imaging, is encouraging people to have a routine that
includes a spiritual component, an activity that involves reaching out to a
loved one and physical exercise. “I think it’s so important to recognize that
we are a three part being: we are spiritual, we are emotional and then we are
physical. So, we have to make sure that we are supporting each system.”

Giving ourselves compassion is crucial. “Of course we’re in
fear, how could we not be? This is so different. So to think that we’re not
supposed to have that feeling, that’s the mistake. There would be something
wrong with us if we didn’t have this concern,” says Cary.

Keep Healthful Activities in Place

Keeping or putting healthful activities in place is
something that we can do during this challenging time. Exercise and other
healthful activities not only boost our immune system, but they make us feel
better on many levels.

“With the COVID situation that we’re in, we’re seeing a lot
of people panicking and in anxiety,” says Andrea Pearson, Health and Life Coach
at Tranquility Haven Center. “It’s not only important that we take care of our
physical health but our mental health as well.”

Meditation can be particularly helpful to keep us grounded
and calm. While there are numerous types and methods, Pearson recommends that
people who are new to meditation start with a simple focus on the breath. “Lots
of people hold their breath and don’t even realize how tense they are,” she
says. “Proper breathing goes down into the stomach. When you’re inhaling the
stomach should inflate like a balloon.” Breathing naturally, with full
inhalations and exhalations, and just noticing how the breath moves is a form
of meditation.

Another breathing meditation technique is to inhale for a
count of four, hold the breath for a count of seven and then exhale for a count
of eight. This 4-7-8 breathing helps you focus on the present moment. “When you
focus on the present moment, it keeps you from worrying about the future or
holding onto the past. Having a strong mind boosts your immunity. Focusing on
the present moment also helps us feel safe,” says Pearson.

Nutrition is another aspect of our health that can boost
immunity and control stress. While it may be tempting to have a big sugar buzz
or a carb coma, we will feel vastly better overall if we practice some restraint
on the junk food and focus on staying hydrated and eating healthful foods, such
as fruits and vegetables in all the colors of the rainbow.

“We are all stress eaters, whether we think we are or not.
We are biologically programmed to comfort ourselves with food,” says Mind-Body Eating and Life Coach Patricia Akers “Just being aware that you are emotionally
eating can help modify the behavior, as well as using another tool such as yoga
to cope with the stress and calm the nervous system.”

Sleep should not be overlooked as it’s crucial to keeping
all of our systems running optimally. While a friend may be suggesting that now
is a great time to learn a new language or start a new hobby, it’s really a
good time to get enough sleep and meet each new day feeling refreshed.

Hug Trees, Socialize Online

We are disconnected from other people, but we can remain
connected with nature. Getting outside has been proven to lower blood pressure,
improve mood and quality of sleep. Other benefits of nature are fresh air, sunshine
and observing things beyond ourselves. By unplugging from technology and news,
we can unplug from all the negativity and find beauty and positivity in the
natural world. Walking can also be a form of meditation as we focus on the feet
connecting with the earth with every step.

Making social connections, from a distance, is important. “Being
alone takes a toll on your immune system,” says Schneider.

“While we physically can’t be together, we can still
socially connect with one another,” says Pearson, who runs an Authentic
Relating and Circling Class Saturday mornings at 11 via Zoom. The class stems
from the fact that many people feel isolated and don’t have authentic
connections with others.

Meeting with family and friends on Zoom or Facetime, or
simply talking on the phone, are also ways to ensure we don’t feel isolated or
alone. Reaching out to connect with others can help us maintain realistic views,
calm our fears and bring laughter and joy into our days.

“Panic energy and fear are really strong for everyone right
now and everyone needs holding,” shares Kumari Mullin, internationally
acclaimed spiritual teacher, intuitive coach, Reiki master and best-selling
author. “We are all isolated and need connection.” Mullin connects community
with an online group that meets to meditate and send healing to each other and
the planet but stresses that everyone has something to give. “Everyone can go
into their heart space and send more love; it is a healing vibration. Love is
always the highest frequency.”

Find out how hidden stressors could be impacting your eating habits. Patricia Akers, Mind Body Eating and Life Coach with a background that includes natural health options and a yoga and ... Read More »

When you have an emotion come up, whether it is fear or anger, we all have tools to deal with it. Jessica Schneider, owner of Your Health Thermal and Wellness Coach, talks about moving th... Read More »

Kumari Mullin is an internationally acclaimed spiritual teacher, intuitive coach, Reiki Master and best-selling author. We learn about how Kumari went from attorney to Reiki Master and th... Read More »

Reverend Janice Cary of Unity of Fort Pierce shares she has adapted to life from home. As a Life and Spiritual Coach, she shares her insight and a very practical tool for managing anxiety... Read More »